Paula Kamen @ Women & Children First

Writer Paula Kamen will be at Women & Children First to talk about her new book Finding Iris Chang: Friendship, Ambition, and the Loss of an Extraordinary Mind. Free. 7:30pm. 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.

Oucho Sparks CD Release

Oucho Sparks, local prog/indie rockers come to the Portage Theater for a performace like no other called Photographs and Epitaphs. The night will include a marching band, flying saucers and $1 tickets for those in the theater's local zip code. Some photographs by avant/chicago.

Nerds at Heart @ Globe Pub Blue Stem

Nerds at Heart, the dating service for intelligent Chicagoans, hosts another singles evening at The Globe Pub (1934 W. Irving Park) from 7 to 10pm. Board games, trivia quizzes, complimentary cocktail, and ticket giveaways for the current House Theatre production The Sparrow. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. See the Nerds at Heart Website to RSVP before the event. UPDATE: Tonight's event has been moved to Blue Stem, 1935 W. Irving Park (directly across the street from The Globe).

Fall Sample Sale

Calling all fashionistas! Local Designer Maria Pinto's fall sample sale takes place on today from 10am until 5pm at 2211 N. Elston Ave. Prices are slashed on day and evening separates, accessories and outwear. With drool-worthy evening pieces as low as $10 (from $2,500), you can't afford to miss it. Free parking is available on Webster and Elston.

URB's 150th Issue Release Party

URB, the music/lifestyle magazine that touts itself as "the vanguard for what's next", will be celebrating the release of it's 150th issue tonight at The Lava Lounge. Featuring the likes of Vyle, Mic Terror, Million $ Mano, and Willy Joy vs. Capcom, your entry is free when you RSVP. The party runs from 9pm-2am, but you might want to get there a little on the earlier side; Lava's not a bar for those who need their three feet of personal space. Lava Lounge, 1270 N Milwaukee. RSVP here.

Songza.com Launch Party @ Elephant & Castle

Have you ever dreamed that you could simply type in the title of a song or the name of an artist on your computer, and instantly pull up what you're looking for? Well, kids -- your dreams are coming true. Developed by local software company Humanized, Inc., Songza.com is a brand-new, free Internet music search engine that lets you play, share and blog about your favorite songs, all the while experiencing none of the guilt of illegal downloads. At tonight's official launch party, you can listen to DJs spin Songza sets, and even try out Songza for yourself. The fun begins at 5:30pm. Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant, 185 N. Wabash. For more info, visit the Website or call 773-661-3011.

After Jane Addams @ Chicago History Museum

This lecture, which is part of the Chicago History Museum's series of Urban History Seminars, traces life at Hull House from 1935 to 1963. $20 includes cocktails and dinner, followed by the lecture. 1601 N Clark, 6 PM. For more information and to buy tickets, call 312-642-4600 or visit the website.

Battles, Caribou @ Metro

Two of Chicago's Windish Agency acts are coming by the Metro for a visit. Tyondai Braxton and the veritable Battles reprising their jaw-dropping Pitchfork Festival set with a return in preview of a new EP. Caribou, formerly known as Manitoba, and even more formerly known as Dan Snaith, will join them with selections from his progressively psychedelic catalog's latest addition Melody Day. The Born Ruffians, unlikely additions to the Warp catalog with their jangly guitars and yelpy vocals, will open; White Williams will also been joining after a tour with Girl Talk and Dan Deacon. Tickets are $16.

The Green Room Sessions @ Uncommon Ground

Uncommon Ground hosts The Green Room Sessions; a monthly live music and environmental awareness series presented by Live It Green and Big Blast Records. This month’s event starts at 7pm with the music beginning around 8pm featuring Jen Woodhouse and Leslie Sanazaro, and folk rock from local artist Richard Fammaree. The nonprofit organization Net Impact will be on hand to talk about their mission to make a positive impact on society by growing and strengthening a community of new leaders who use business to improve the world. Uncommon Ground will feature its "TREEtini" on the Green Room cocktail menu, and in conjunction with Live It Green will plant a tree for every one of the "TREEtinis" sold. To date, over 550 trees have been committed to be planted in Tamil Nadu, India. No cover charge

Uncommon Ground is located at 3800 N. Clark Street

Silkscreen Workshop @ Sacred Art

Learn basic silkscreening techniques with Alexandra Blom and go home with your own equipment at this Sacred Art workshop. The workshop is $65, which includes squeegee and screen. Plus, you'll get 20% off any item in the store that day. From 7-9 pm at 2040 W. Roscoe.

Greater Chicago Food Depository Benefit @ Va Pensiero

A benefit dinner for the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be held at Va Pensiero (1566 Oak Avenue, Evanston) at 6:30 p.m. tonight. A meal of tasty seasonal eats will be prepared by Chef Eric Hammond. The $100 per person cost also includes entertainment by the Beazley Phillips Trio. Call 847-475-7779 for reservations.